The Derm-Approved Plan To Ditch “STRAWBERRY LEGS” By Summer

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on why enlarged hair follicles and pores are normal and how to easily deal with it.

There have been times in my life when I look down at my legs (which are rarely bare, FWIW) and notice that the pores look darker than usual. I’ve always chalked it up to just having larger-than-average hair follicles (cool), but never gave it much of a thought besides just thinking: ugh. Then, I came across the term “strawberry legs” and felt extremely seen. Much to my surprise, strawberry legs are not only super common, they’re also something you can easily deal with.

“This happens when the skin of the legs has darker dots in a follicular distribution, so they look like strawberries,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “There may also be swelling of the skin and the hair follicles can look slightly indented or raised like the surface of a strawberry.” Board-certified dermatologist Tobechi Ebede, MD, adds that “the darker dots represent hair follicles or enlarged pores that contain a mixture of oil, bacteria, and dead skin or hair trapped in them.”

Know that it’s completely normal. “As mammals, we’re covered in hair follicles and pores, and this appearance can stem from any process that increases inflammation of the hair follicle,” says Dr. Patel. “It could be from not exfoliating, so the pores get blocked with oil and debris, shaving with a dull razor, or not moisturizing skin can create irritation.”